Stewardship Plan/COnservation Easement
Work Session
August 21, 2008
Present:
Curt Springer-Forestry Committee Chairman
Betsy Sanders-Forestry Committee
Shawn O’Neil-Selectman Chairman
Chris Giordano-Conservation Commission Chairman and Selectman
Sheila Johannesen-Conservation Commission
Bruce Schwaegler-NH Audubon representative
Ellen Snyder-Ibis Wildlife Consulting
Jennifer Hunter-NH Estuaries Project
Dennis Francoeur Jr.-Scoutmaster
Janet Denison-Conservation Commission Clerk
The meeting opened at 7:00pm and was televised.
Introduction
Curt opened the meeting by welcoming the members of the Forestry Committee, Conservation Commission, and Board of Selectman.
Eagle Scout Project
Mr. Francoeur explained that his son, Dennis Francoeur III, was not able to attend this meeting but wanted the board members present to be apprised of the progress made thus far on his Eagle project. There was a form to sign indicating the project plan has been reviewed and approved by the benefiting party, namely the Town of Danville. Curt signed the form.
Mr. Francoeur presented photographs and plans for the final construction of the viewing blind, including a split-fence rail on either side to discourage people from going around the blind.
A trial leading to the blind was discussed. The trail should come up directly behind the blind, possibly rerouted from its present course.
Curt said he will work on providing a key to the gate in order for them to transport the materials closer to the site.
Mr. Francoeur explained that construction of the blind will hopefully commence over Labor Day weekend. He thanked those present for their input and encouragement, then left the meeting.
Stewardship Plan draft: Chapters 3 & 4
Ms. Snyder gave a brief overview of chapters 3 and 4. She said, based on previous discussions and site walks, chapter 3 was written. Chapter 4 addresses management issues. She considered each stewardship goal and the issues and specific recommendations. She then tried to balance each goal: protecting wetlands and vernal pools, recreation and forestry, etc.
Chapter 1 & 2 review
Chris presented the thoughts of another Conservation Committee member who was not able to attend the meeting this night.
The first discussion was about citing individuals by name, specifically giving credit to Betsy for portions of the Stewardship Plan (see page 7 of the second draft.) It was explained that this paragraph contains Betsy’s own thoughts and if someone has an issue with that portion, it will not be considered Ms. Snyder’s fault. Ms. Snyder suggested putting references to individuals and boards in the acknowledgements.
There were some grammar issues mentioned, specifically using the word “who” instead of “that” when referring to a person and saying “in the forest” instead of “on the forest.” There was also a question on the origin of the name “Rookery Pond.” Ms. Snyder said she saw the name in Charlie Moreno’s’ plan and just carried it over.
Chris wanted to remind those present, at the request of a board member who was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, of a point of discussion from the previous meeting. Namely, Ms. Snyder said the buffer is more for recreation than management; management is not for financial gain but to preserve the forest; there has been difficulties with the idea of cutting to make money—and this could be why the management plan was rejected in the past; there was too much emphasis on money and not enough on management.
Shooting in the Town Forest
There was a brief discussion about the discharge of firearms in the town forest. Chris said this is on the agenda for the next Selectman’s meeting. Betsy mentioned that if the forest becomes a wildlife habitat, then shooting is a non-issue.
Chris said that the problem is mainly a safety issue, as there is shooting in the forest year-round, not just during hunting season. Chris had spoken with Paul Sanderson, the same attorney Curt had spoken with earlier about shooting in the forest. According to Chris’ understanding of the attorney’s opinion, the Selectmen can regulate shooting on town-owned land, but it was recommended that a town meeting be held first. Curt said this is the opposite of how he understands what Mr. Sanderson said.
Chapter 3, pages 26-31
On page 31 there was a question about the amount of acreage. Chris explained that a lot line adjustment is pending which will increase the forest boundaries by approximately 18 acres.
Ms. Hunter pointed out on page 31 the heading could be reworded for clarity and continuity with the other headings.
Page 33—Non Motorized Vehicles
The section on page 33 was written with the idea that there are different types of trails for different uses. Ms. Snyder said that she was not sure what the consensus was in Danville about snowmobiles. She thought that along the powerline corridor and Tuckertown Road, when those are frozen, snowmobiles should be fine.
Mr. Schwaegler expressed his opinion that when the Easement was discussed, the topic of snowmobiles was missed. He said they tend to be in a different category than ATV’s because there are snowmobile clubs that often get state money to maintain trails. His opinion is that snowmobiles are not a good idea except where they are on clearly designated and maintained trails. He said this is incompatible with everything else we’re trying to do. He said he was surprised that the Conservation Easement does not have the words “non-motorized public recreation” as other Easements do.
Chris said that he thought snowmobiles had less of an impact because of snow cover. Mr. Schwaegler said that’s true if the trail is maintained. However, the area used by these vehicles may not be completely frozen and may be wetlands. Mr. Schwaegler said he would be most comfortable with wording that kept the snowmobiles on the same trail as ATV’s. Corridor 13 on the northwest corner of the forest was mentioned as an option for snowmobiles that ATV’s don’t have. There are areas along Tuckertown Road and under the powerlines that don’t freeze during winter.
Erosion control is a high priority. Mr. Schwaegler said that unless the Easement provides for standards that are very clear to everyone, he is worried about the Easement.
Curt suggested not having the Easement match so much the Stewardship Plan. His explanation is that most people who read this are not going to be aware of the distinction between where the Easement applies or doesn’t apply. The Stewardship Plan allows the possibility of ATV’s and the town has the ability to allow ATV use. If it’s stricken totally, it’s not allowed anywhere. Curt said this document should apply to the property that’s in the Easement and what’s not in the Easement.
Mr. Schwaegler said that snowmobiling should be allowed along the powerline corridor and the class A trail and that is should say so in the Stewardship Plan. Chris suggested referencing this as any motorized recreational vehicle. It was clarified that motorized vehicles are allowed per the Easement on the entire forest floor for management purposes. Chris pointed out that the wording is “outdoor recreation shall mean low-impact” which, as stated by Mr. Schwaegler, this is where it usually says, “low-impact, non-motorized.” It will be researched where this is missing in the Easement.
It was agreed that the line “other trails as determined” from page 33 of the Stewardship Plan would be stricken. The possibility is still there that other trails may be made that will tie into what’s in the town currently, perhaps in different locations than the forest. The Easement won’t allow ATV’s but may allow snowmobiles. Ms. Snyder spoke about the possibility of the Easement allowing snowmobiles if they are part of a club that will maintain the trail and is not in violation of any other part of the Easement.
There was a discussion of allowing ATV’s in the town forest. Chris talked about the possibility of an ATV club some time later asking to use the network through the town forest. Allowing for this in the Easement would make it more complicated, and according to Mr. Schwaegler, it would have to be made clear that this trail would be a maintained by a club or there may be little chance that Easement would be acceptable.
Mr. Schwaegler expressed his surprise that snowmobiles seem to be categorized differently than other motorized vehicles. To create language in the document that would allow a snowmobile club to enter the forest, this would be a major section in the document and he said Audubon would have a hard time signing off on this document.
It was agreed that the language in the Easement would be edited regarding non-motorized and motorized vehicles.
Ms. Snyder said the Stewardship Plan is not a legal document. It is merely a set of guidelines. The Easement is a legal document and it is very important that the language be correct.
Page 33—Camping
There was a discussion about camping in the town forest. The question was posed about designating certain areas for this activity as there are areas sensitive to disturbance. It was believed that camping was allowed by permit only, therefore it would be known who is out there. Mr. Schwaegler said the town can run into state laws involving sanitation. Curt expressed his opinion that it will be a while before camping will be of great concern. There are several issues to be worked out if camping were to occur in the forest. Ms. Snyder said this is a big stewardship issue that somewhere down the road can be discussed. At least there are provisions for camping in the document.
Pages 34-35-Vernal Pools
Vernal pools were discussed. Ms. Snyder spoke about there not being a set standard for distance away from vernal pools to be left undisturbed. She said she recommends a 25’ “no cut” area around vernal pools, knowing some prefer more protection around the pools. Ms. Snyder and Mr. Schwaegler agreed that 25’is a good number which provided the desired protection. All other recommendations, as far as maintaining canopy cover, no trails, etc. is similar to most other plans.
Natural Areas
Ms. Snyder spoke about natural areas that can be left into the forest that would be allowed to grow old. These are areas identified by Charlie Moreno that are difficult to get to anyway for forestry management. One is in the northeast corner above the cemetery. There is also an area in the northern acreage that has difficult access. Ms Snyder also identified the area between the two trails that straddle the great meadow drainage. This area is very steep, and small, it is between the no-cut and the headwater stream and the drainage, and Ms. Snyder felt there was no logical reason for anyone to go in that area for cutting.
Chris asked about a no-cut area on each side of Tuckertown Road. Ms. Snyder said that she thought there was a 25’ area on each side. It was discussed that there is a state law regarding slash within 50’ of a road, and that this is more for aesthetics. The second bullet on page 37 was discussed: “… follow the forest management stewardship recommendations for conducting management activities along trails and road that includes minimal harvesting within 50 feet.”
Curt mentioned that the emphasis should be on aesthetics along the road without being too descriptive about how the logs should be laid or how many feet deep they should be. It was mentioned that there should be some flexibility in the boundaries along the road as there may be some work necessary along the roadside.
Miscellaneous Comments
Cull material will be better defined. It is mentioned on page 35. Mr. Schwaegler said there are pieces that don’t go through a chipper, such as brush and broken tops. Ms. Snyder said cull means the larger pieces.
The word “active” will be removed from page 35 in reference to heron rookeries. There will be a clause stating no harvesting will be done during breeding season. There will be no management within 330’ of the rookery, which will be clarified to mean to the tree and not to the edge of the wetland.
Curt asked about the necessity of referring to plantations. Ms. Snyder mentioned that this document is for guidance.
Mr. Schwaegler asked about oaks. Ms. Snyder said that these should be managed on a long rotational basis.
A copy of this draft will be sent to Charlie Moreno for his review. Mr. Schwaegler said that if Mr. Moreno is going to be the town forester, he should be comfortable with the stewardship plan. This draft will be the final one before it is presented for public review.
Ms. Snyder asked about changing ATV to OHRV. There was a discussion about snowmobiles having a different impact than other off-road vehicles. Ms. Snyder will define OHRV to include snowmobiles.
Ms. Snyder said Charlie Moreno’s maps indicate the location of vernal pools and the 25’ provides good protection to these pools. Other setback recommendations provide for harvesting while keeping canopy. She said that it strikes a good balance between forestry and protection. Most of the uplands are kept open for forest stewardship.
A question was raised pertaining to the forest changing over time and who determines the criteria that defines the new wetlands. Ms. Snyder explained that hydrology won’t change that much over time. Mr. Schwaegler said there is a definition for a vernal pool making those pools fairly simple to identify.
Ms. Snyder said she has some of the appendices. She does not have the historic as a PDF. Curt will send this as a separate PDF. The next draft that comes out will have all the appendices in it. Adding a color and high resolution picture to the front cover will make the electronic file rather large. Ms. Hunter said she can put this on her website.
A second public meeting is planned for September 18th at 7pm. Curt will call Charlie Moreno to get his input before the September meeting.
Early Successional Habitat
The powerline and the gravel pit are early successional areas. There were no other areas that Ms. Snyder felt were early successional at this time. Mr. Schwaegler asked about the end result for wildlife diversity, and if we are advantaging any specific species. He asked if there is a wildlife strategy or should there be one. Ms. Snyder said to make good use of the gravel pit and powerline corridor as habitat for specific species. Especially with the gravel pit, she said this is going from one use that doesn’t work very well to something that does work. The species that are using those areas are unique and in decline. Also, those species may advance beyond the powerline habitat.
The whole wetland is a huge range that provides water quality and habitat for things that are not seen frequently. Preventing erosion and keeping invasive species out are important. She recommended talking with PSNH once in a while to see about their goals for the powerline corridor. As far as the uplands, the diversity could be increased. Ms. Snyder did not see the need to create larger openings in the forest. She does not recommend clear cutting. There are not too many species of concern in the forest.
There was a discussion about having some open areas to bring in more wildlife, such as birds, and whether these should or should not be next to the trails. Mr. Schwaegler said that the problem is often the large equipment brought in that makes an impact. It takes 3-4 years until the benefits are seen from management. Ms. Snyder said that cutting trees is not bad for wildlife, but a balance needs to be found.
Gravel Pit
Curt said that there was a suggestion of removing the berm around the gravel pit and if that would deter shooting in that location. It was mentioned that a gate could be installed to prevent trucks from entering the area. Shawn said that enforcement is the problem. Betsy said that she would like to invite someone from the state to speak on this issue.
Ms Snyder, speaking of the gravel pit, suggested leaving a third of the area grassy, a third would be cut and the last third would be cut 10 years later. This would provide three stages of growth for a good early successional area. She said if the berm is removed, an herbaceous mix could be put down, and a snow fence put up with signs indicating that this is a restoration area.
Betsy mentioned a gravel pit that used to be in Salem’s town forest which was restored. She provided a newspaper article from the Eagle Tribune about this.
Flooding
Curt asked if it made sense to have a task force put together to study the flooding on Tuckertown Road. Chris said that they are still waiting for the elevation on the beaver dams, culvert, and pond levelers. It will be investigated also whether or not there is another dam. Possibly a boardwalk can be constructed over the flooded area on Tuckertown Road and another access can be provided for Terra Realty. Ms. Snyder said that the town needs access to the property as well since it is town-owned property. Curt expressed his opinion that he would like to just see a road put in where it has flooded.
Copies of the Stewardship Plan
This plan will be on website, three copies will be provided to the town as well as a CD.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, clerk